To highlight how Collisons can be used in the classroom, each month, our team will share a new resource, activity, or classroom implementation idea. Check out our Topic of the Month and more below.

Getting to Know C4C Educator Megan Scoppa

May 09, 2019
| Teacher Spotlight

Posted By: EDWARD WANG | Pedagogy Director, PlayMada Games

What classes do you teach? Where do you teach?I am a classroom teacher in Kingwood, Texas, which is just northeast of Houston.

How long have you been teaching?I have taught at Kingwood High School for the past 3 years. I am certified science composite, but have most recently been teaching On-Level chemistry for the past few years.

What inspired you to become a science teacher?I read an article a few years ago about how students enjoy science, just not science class. I wanted to change that, and since I have the unique background of being a scientist in real life, I thought I’d give it a go!

What initially motivated you to bring Collisions into your chemistry classroom?I first learned about Collisions at CAST 2016. First it was just the free shirt, but then I saw the amazing visualizations it has! This is really useful for visual learners, which most of my students are.

Describe how have you used Collisions in your classroom?I have used Collisions as an introductory tool. I utilize the teacher resources listed on the website for individual investigation labs. This year we have used it for covalent bonding, IMFs, and we will use it next week for acids and bases. There is no comparison for the information that is shown in the tutorial levels and the sandbox!

How has Collisions impacted a specific student (or group of students)?Some of my students enjoy games over lecture (surprise!), and these are the students who suddenly become more engaged and interested in what we are learning. Then, they can use their knowledge to help others, creating a student-centered learning environment. Also, just being able to “see” electrons being transferred or rearranged, along with molecule formation helps student understanding tremendously.

What has surprised/excited you the most about using Collisions in your classroom?I enjoy that I can use it all year long with all of our chemistry topics and that the levels are related to each other, since that’s the way it is in REAL chemistry.

A free teacher trial will provide you with 30 days of full access to the Collisions® games. This includes leveled game challenges and an exploratory sandbox for each content area. Just complete the form below and your username and password will arrive via email within two business days.